Everyone is fascinated by relationships, and we are all looking for easy ways to determine compatibility. Take astrology, for example — the most common question asked is "How does my sign get along with my partner's (or potential partner's) sign?" So it was only a matter of time that somebody would come up with a book that addresses compatibility from a Vedic point of view. Luckily, the author who has chosen to bring Doshas and relationships into the spotlight is also a lifestyle and relationship expert. One couldn't have come up with a better person to write this book than Lisa Marie Coffey. Coffey uses wit, wisdom and common sense to create a very earthy, Western-style book, which at the same time is true to its Vedic roots.

What exactly is a Dosha? As explained in Ayurveda, it's your own personal blend of mind-body aspects that define your body type, personality, activity level and food preferences. There are three basic Doshas — Vata, Pitta and Kapha — and while most people will have one predominant, they also have aspects of the other two. Naturally, each person's predominant Dosha will relate in its own way to the predominant Dosha in another. The approach to relationships in Coffey's book is a positive one; there are no incompatible Doshas. Each pairing has its good points and challenges. The chapters explain how to get the most out of the relationship on all levels, from romance to day-to-day living to parenting. In addition there are chapters on the Doshas and children, friends and associates, so that you have a better understanding of those around you.

There is even more to the book than just personal relationships. Coffey explains how to best live according to your primary Dosha, from exercise to diet (there are even some recipes at the end of the book). She also offers an overview of other disciplines related to the Doshas, including Vastu (not unlike Feng Shui, but actually more ancient), Chakras and Jyotish (Vedic astrology). None of this is presented in a mystical manner. Coffey strips away the shroud to reveal the very practical side of these disciplines. It all makes for fun and fascinating reading — with a lot of useful information.

There is quite a lot of information packed into this book, which is not much more than 200 pages long. Reading it doesn't require a huge time commitment, and you'll learn a lot about yourself and those closest to you. Coffey has done a great job with her topic and, for now, there isn't another book out there like this one.

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